Kathmandu: The government has once again urged all social media platforms operating in Nepal to complete their registration process in line with the Directive on Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2080.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, Gajendra Thakur, spokesperson and joint secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, said the government remains committed to creating a systematic and accountable digital environment while safeguarding the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution of Nepal.

The statement clarified that registration requires platforms to designate a contact point, a resident complaint officer, and a compliance monitoring officer within Nepal, and stressed that there is no fee for listing. Social media sites that register will be reactivated immediately, while those failing to do so face deactivation.

The move follows a Supreme Court directive (Case No. 080-CF-0012), which ordered the government to ensure mandatory registration of all domestic and foreign online platforms before operation, and to monitor and evaluate harmful content.

So far, Hamro Patro and Global Diary Private Limited have been formally listed and reactivated, while Twitter (X) and WeChat have submitted the required documents.

The ministry has also requested the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) to restrict access to unregistered platforms via mobile and internet service providers. Citizens have been warned against using unsafe and unauthorized VPNs to bypass restrictions.

Officials emphasized that the government’s decision is not aimed at banning or restricting social media, but at promoting their responsible, safe, and dignified use through self-regulation.

Meanwhile, the ruling Nepali Congress has stated it will seek clarification from the government on the issue, while the Social Media Bill remains stalled in Parliament.